Sounders stay unbeaten in front big crowds

There is something special about the games where Sounders FC opens up capacity at CenturyLink Field. All home games are impressive, but you can definitely feel the added support of another 10,000 or more fans.

The results show it.

Seattle’s 1-0 win Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes, played in front of 49,746, kept the team unbeaten in front of home crowds greater than 40,000, both in the MLS regular season and playoffs.

Here is a breakdown by attendance:

Sounders are 10-0-3 in front of home crowds over 40,000. Goal differential: 27-9.Sounders are 9-0-2 in front of home crowds over 45,000. Goal differential: 24-7.Sounders are 7-0-1 in front of home crowds over 50,000. Goal differential: 18-4.Sounders are 6-0-1 in front of home crowds over 55,000. Goal differential: 15-2.Sounders are 4-0-1 in front of home crowds over 60,000. Goal differential: 11-2.Sounders are 2-0-1 in front of home crowds over 65,000. Goal differential: 5-1.

Saturday’s crowd was the largest in the league this season and the ninth largest in franchise history for an MLS game.